We had the good fortune of connecting with Angela Schoening and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angela, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. From a young age I tended to take jobs where I was at least partially in charge of my own schedule, time off, and money-making potential (serving, bartending, freelancing, etc). When I entered the corporate world, I knew almost immediately I was in the wrong place. My heart kept calling for something that I could start and grow for myself and my family. The freedom of time is something that is invaluable to me so I decided to take the leap and go for it!

What should our readers know about your business?
My photography business focuses on connection and relationships. I love photos that tell a story and I feel that these two fundamentals capture true emotion. I am most proud of the photos that can cause happy tears! I didn’t always have a crystal clear picture of who I am as a photographer and have evolved a few times in my career. Just as people do in their personal lives, I changed over time to get where I am now.

Capturing all of life’s milestones is my greatest joy. People are creating a legacy and I want to tell those stories through timeless, treasured photography.

And, if someone chooses to start a business and needs to share that story through a brand photoshoot, I’d love to help them with that, too. 

I am so passionate about the relationships that I build with my clients and am honored they choose me to tell their story!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many amazing places to visit in AZ! And I’m sure if you asked 5 people this question you’d get 5 different answers because there are so many different types of things to do.

For me, I’m all about food and adventure. A day might look like brunch at Hidden House in Chandler, a drive up to Sedona for hiking, lunch at a local winery (most people don’t know how delish Arizona wine is!), and then an afternoon at the pool at the Montelucia Resort, and dinner at one of our local staples like Durant’s or Dick’s Hideaway.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Kyle Goldie, a successful international photographer/business owner, was my wedding photographer years ago. When I finally decided to pursue photography as a business, I signed up for his mentorship program. I learned how to be profitable and serve my clients in the best ways while representing myself as a professional in the field. It was because of him that I am where I am today.

Also, my husband, family, and friends were huge supporters of my following my dreams. It’s a scary thing to do so having a strong community around is nothing but helpful!

Website: www.angelamareephotography.com

Instagram: shebekillinit

Image Credits
Erica + Jon Photography (photo of me) Angela Maree Photography (all others)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.